At a time when the 12” single format had been introduced to the record buying public the long version of ‘Festival’ became an anthem in 1977 and whilst it was by far their best offering, it did get the group the exposure they needed to move onto the next stage of their recording career. The addition of Howard Hewett to the line-up was the magical ingredient they needed to catapult them to superstar status and whilst Solar issued a number of albums prior to ‘Friends’ which were good in their own right, it was this album that the group will be best remembered.

I recall back in 1982 when I received my promotional copy of the album from WEA records (who distributed Solar during this period) and I was absolutely knocked out at the sheer power and quality of what I heard. At a time when eighties soul music was very strong indeed and was clearly divided between those acts who produced dance based material, and those whose specialty was the soul ballads, Shalamar had the talent to deliver both, and ‘Friends’ showcases both styles.
 
Within this newly remastered edition there are no shortage of hit singles  with the most obvious being the title track, followed by the superb Jody led ‘Night To Remember’ which became an eighties anthem and a song that still attracts a full dance floor on each play. ‘Don’t Try To Change Me’ whilst not being issued as a single is as strong as those that did, and again Jody does the song much justice. Other hit tunes can be found in ‘There It Is’ and the killer ‘I Can Make You Feel Good’ which for me is the standout song with it’s fabulous backing harmonies with Howard taking the vocal credits.

Like so many other big labels over the last forty years Solar had its own house band and ‘sound’ making it an instantly recognisable sound and it is easy to see why DJ’s took it under their belt as the sound of the 80’s. The group went on to record further albums for the label, but for many, none will ever match the commercial appeal that ‘Friends’ attracted. Howard Hewett left the group later that decade to pursue a successful solo career for Electra Records and the same with Jody for MCA. Sadly at this time Janet Jackson was enjoying major success in her career and it may be argued that Jody never quite got the break as a solo artist as a result.

A couple of ballads of note with 'I Don't Wanna Be The Last To Know' and the Howard led 'I Just Stopped By Because I Had To'

This particular CD contains an extra album from 1981 in ‘Go For It’ which includes the fabulous ‘Sweeter As The Days Go By’ which remains one of the all-time greats by the group.

Sanctuary Music have recently re-issued all of the Shalamar’s back catalogue on CD and you may wish to visit their excellent web site for further information.

Rating 10/10